Guess I should drink another Maté to balance things out, I am in Hong Kong and in this land balance is key, you know feng shui and all that.... plus I'm not quite hovering off the ground yet....
"Tsuen" is pronounced "choon" or "chewn" and not "Tuh-Sue-Nn" as in "that piece of gum has already been chewn" or "I live in Sun Wai Chewn"
I need to figure out what I'm doing for my secret santa gift for tomorrow, the front runner is papercraft, it's a lot harded making something for a non-outdoors person. I can't just make them an olive oil candle and a alcohol stove.
Katy's sister is arriving tonight and staying for the next three months
I think Katy and I will get stabbed soon (by acupuncture needles that is)
I'm also trying to tag some of my live music, so rather than looking at "allstars88-01-23d1t02" I can be like "Oh that's Bela, Tony, Jerry, and a hundred other virtuosos playing 9 pound hammer"
Upcoming blog posts: A picture compilation of all the awesome meals I've created in the last few months and a compilation of my favorite music albums from 2010
Showing posts with label here nor there. Show all posts
Showing posts with label here nor there. Show all posts
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Practice Practise Practice
It's weird, when i wrote the title I had to actually think if a "z" should be in there. Damn you American English, you should just never use "z" like the Brits do.
i.e.
"Lets go see the sebras at the soo"
"I'm tired, I'm going to catch some sss's"
"Run to your rezidence! the sombiez broke through the zafe sone!"
http://www.world-english.org/practise_practice.htm
i.e.
"Lets go see the sebras at the soo"
"I'm tired, I'm going to catch some sss's"
"Run to your rezidence! the sombiez broke through the zafe sone!"
http://www.world-english.org/practise_practice.htm
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 3) The Finale..................................or is it?
Now for the conclusion (finally) of Macau Fever...I knew if I didn't finish it right away it would drag on for weeks..
We last left our adventurers in the security clearance portion of the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry at 8:10pm...
8:20pm: The air changes from the thick pollution of the metropolis to a pungent brackish aroma as the quintet scramble aboard their international seaworld vessel. The living quarters are cramped, especially because Dama has to deal with the great mass and density of his Janbo. The Janbo, known for his harsh and unforgiving tone, is also one of the few instruments that earth-gravity loves to grab and hold on to tightly, hoping to forever embed this forsaken implement in the earth's crust for all eternity. The vessel pulls away from the docking station and the quintet forgoes hypersleep as the excitement of the world's most densely populated country awaits.
8:30pm: Time is passed with Tane and Samje recalling a previous journey to "The Land of Cement and Casinos"
9:15pm: Arrival at the port is smooth and the four warriors emerge from the compound looking for an Armored Transport Vehicle that can bring them to the barracks. The group agrees for this to be their home base for the remainder of the mission.
9:45pm: The robo-driver of the A.T.V has difficulties understanding the programming language Tane uses and must consult numerous databases before arriving at the desired address.
10:00pm: The group finds the barracks and luckily there is a single containment chamber with 4 sleeping units remaining. Sweat soaks through Dama's clothes as he deposits his Kong$ into the manage-bot. Luckily the containment chamber comes equipped with a heat removal device, as night time temperatures approach upwards of 150 degrees. All extra mass is left secured in the barracks and the group leaves with their instruments.
10:30pm: The group acquires some local currency by handing a piece of plastic and some numbers to a group of men standing along the street. After a few seconds the men return with paper money.
11:00pm: The group locates a defensible location suitable to make a final stand should they need to. The large stone coated area has lots of movement and local organisms moving about. The group produces their music creation devices and begins their presentation. In certain instances, the large organisms would become mesmerized by the audible waves created by the trio and sometimes without warning their bodies would move in synchronization with the rhythms created. After breaking the trance they would sometimes deposit money into the instrument protection device placed in front.
1:30am: Having exhausted their supply of musical arrangements the trio returns to the barracks and secures their instruments.
2:00am-7:30am: Earth-time seems to have warped between these two destinations as recollections of the events that transpired seem inaccurate. Events occurred in various orders, sometimes rewinding and replaying themselves, some events were simultaneous, and often the realities Dama found himself in didn't correspond with what Tane and Samje experienced. Although Nibra was often on the same plane as Dama.
Entering the casinos was a very peculiar experience, often times earth-money would disappear from the quintets wallets without a trace, sometimes it was forcibly removed by the gamesman's tables, and sometimes for fleeting instants it would return to one of them, as if a long lost friend had returned and promised to bring all of the old crew back with them. Dama and Nibra were very careful with their earth money, they resisted the trance and guarded their money carefully. Tane became infatuated with a vid-robot that promised to bring him many earth-dollars. He acquired many and Dama and Nibra were able to break his trance in a caffeine induced mind battle that allowed Tane to emerge with more old friends then he thought he brought along. Samje however, would disappear and reappear, occasionally regaling us with the losses he encountered and was powerless to heed.
The trio flowed from place to place; caffeine, grease, and ethanol powered their engines as they were able to rent specially designed Segways. However, acid rain at dawn hampered plans and the group took solace in a local "Grease, Sugar, 'N Sawdust"
Before their abbreviated sleep, Tane lost his battle and was hypnotized into losing all the earth money he gained, Samje battled furiously, but continued to be beaten into submission and deposited more of his money into the Black-jackoBot. Dama and Nibra spent gingerly but still lost about 25 Hong Kong "Teeners" each, which paled in comparison to the amount the other duo gave away.
Samje and Dama returned to the barracks first, Tane remained hypnotized, and Nibra became lost and had to hire an A.T.V to return him to the barracks.
11:00am: The quartet emerged from their slumber, Dama purchased food and world renowned Egg Tarts, and then caught a Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry back to his home-away from homeland...Wiser from his travels and satisfied that The Lapsap Stringband had one final epic night before going their separate ways across the earth's surface. He hopes will re-reemerge in the not so distant future.
----In the days following shortly after their encounter with Macau, Tane fell ill, followed by Dama, recent reports of Samje falling ill recently have also emerged.... Dama remains in Hong Kong to this day, Tane set flight for Malaysia, Nibra returned to the NorthWest, and Samje is in the Great North East.
We last left our adventurers in the security clearance portion of the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry at 8:10pm...
8:20pm: The air changes from the thick pollution of the metropolis to a pungent brackish aroma as the quintet scramble aboard their international seaworld vessel. The living quarters are cramped, especially because Dama has to deal with the great mass and density of his Janbo. The Janbo, known for his harsh and unforgiving tone, is also one of the few instruments that earth-gravity loves to grab and hold on to tightly, hoping to forever embed this forsaken implement in the earth's crust for all eternity. The vessel pulls away from the docking station and the quintet forgoes hypersleep as the excitement of the world's most densely populated country awaits.
8:30pm: Time is passed with Tane and Samje recalling a previous journey to "The Land of Cement and Casinos"
9:15pm: Arrival at the port is smooth and the four warriors emerge from the compound looking for an Armored Transport Vehicle that can bring them to the barracks. The group agrees for this to be their home base for the remainder of the mission.
9:45pm: The robo-driver of the A.T.V has difficulties understanding the programming language Tane uses and must consult numerous databases before arriving at the desired address.
10:00pm: The group finds the barracks and luckily there is a single containment chamber with 4 sleeping units remaining. Sweat soaks through Dama's clothes as he deposits his Kong$ into the manage-bot. Luckily the containment chamber comes equipped with a heat removal device, as night time temperatures approach upwards of 150 degrees. All extra mass is left secured in the barracks and the group leaves with their instruments.
10:30pm: The group acquires some local currency by handing a piece of plastic and some numbers to a group of men standing along the street. After a few seconds the men return with paper money.
11:00pm: The group locates a defensible location suitable to make a final stand should they need to. The large stone coated area has lots of movement and local organisms moving about. The group produces their music creation devices and begins their presentation. In certain instances, the large organisms would become mesmerized by the audible waves created by the trio and sometimes without warning their bodies would move in synchronization with the rhythms created. After breaking the trance they would sometimes deposit money into the instrument protection device placed in front.
1:30am: Having exhausted their supply of musical arrangements the trio returns to the barracks and secures their instruments.
2:00am-7:30am: Earth-time seems to have warped between these two destinations as recollections of the events that transpired seem inaccurate. Events occurred in various orders, sometimes rewinding and replaying themselves, some events were simultaneous, and often the realities Dama found himself in didn't correspond with what Tane and Samje experienced. Although Nibra was often on the same plane as Dama.
Entering the casinos was a very peculiar experience, often times earth-money would disappear from the quintets wallets without a trace, sometimes it was forcibly removed by the gamesman's tables, and sometimes for fleeting instants it would return to one of them, as if a long lost friend had returned and promised to bring all of the old crew back with them. Dama and Nibra were very careful with their earth money, they resisted the trance and guarded their money carefully. Tane became infatuated with a vid-robot that promised to bring him many earth-dollars. He acquired many and Dama and Nibra were able to break his trance in a caffeine induced mind battle that allowed Tane to emerge with more old friends then he thought he brought along. Samje however, would disappear and reappear, occasionally regaling us with the losses he encountered and was powerless to heed.
The trio flowed from place to place; caffeine, grease, and ethanol powered their engines as they were able to rent specially designed Segways. However, acid rain at dawn hampered plans and the group took solace in a local "Grease, Sugar, 'N Sawdust"
Before their abbreviated sleep, Tane lost his battle and was hypnotized into losing all the earth money he gained, Samje battled furiously, but continued to be beaten into submission and deposited more of his money into the Black-jackoBot. Dama and Nibra spent gingerly but still lost about 25 Hong Kong "Teeners" each, which paled in comparison to the amount the other duo gave away.
Samje and Dama returned to the barracks first, Tane remained hypnotized, and Nibra became lost and had to hire an A.T.V to return him to the barracks.
11:00am: The quartet emerged from their slumber, Dama purchased food and world renowned Egg Tarts, and then caught a Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry back to his home-away from homeland...Wiser from his travels and satisfied that The Lapsap Stringband had one final epic night before going their separate ways across the earth's surface. He hopes will re-reemerge in the not so distant future.
----In the days following shortly after their encounter with Macau, Tane fell ill, followed by Dama, recent reports of Samje falling ill recently have also emerged.... Dama remains in Hong Kong to this day, Tane set flight for Malaysia, Nibra returned to the NorthWest, and Samje is in the Great North East.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 2)
Now for the stunning conclusion:
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:
6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 1)
Pretty crazy last few days, I'll try to reconstruct the events that transpired recently (names were changed to protect the innocent) **Some events dramatized**
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Beer Dash Photos as promised
I'm not going to put this as a slide show on here just browse to the picasa site and see them
http://picasaweb.google.com/petrashune/BeerDash2010Photos?authkey=Gv1sRgCK6O1-3igM6HIA&feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/petrashune/BeerDash2010Photos?authkey=Gv1sRgCK6O1-3igM6HIA&feat=directlink
Friday, February 26, 2010
Three hundred and sixty something days and counting...
Just over a year ago I left New York on a journey that I knew would change my life, however, it was impossible to tell just what I would encounter along the way.
Here I am still travelling down this path with an unknown destination, however it's this very journey that keeps me going. "The journey is the destination" I used to tell my kids at ALE.
I knew that this experience would change things for me and going to a place that literally couldn't be further away from home definitely did just that.
Signing a 13 month contract was the longest contract I had ever committed to and at first it seemed daunting to me, then I settled in and found the flow of things, then the reality of 6 more months set in, along with (I'm not really sure how to say this...) let me just say that several factors more numerous than I want to list here allowed me to make the decision that...I'm DONE with this company or as they say in the states..."Done like dinner" or in New Zealand..."Done and Dusted"
or multiple choice...
"I'm as done as ______"
1) Conan O'Brien hosting The Tonight Show
2) Eliot Spitzer's political career
3) Healthcare Reform
4) Tiger Woods and golf
OK, maybe some of those things aren't a lock just yet, but I've decided long ago that I am looking for other things. I like Hong Kong and I'm not ready to live in the US yet; I can't wait to go back and visit though. Around 60 days and I'll be back in the good ol' US of A and I've also booked 3 shifts at ALE that will bring me into the summer. Katy's coming to visit me in New York and then I'll return for DrB HK Part 2 sometime in August, who knows what that will involve...
A quick summary of the past year would involve travelling to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, and Nepal. Also seeing Mount Everest from the airplane, then Dhaulagiri and Annapurna the 7th and 10th highest peaks in the world from the ground. Scuba diving, reaching 12,170 feet in altitude, walking on 110+ degree Malaysian beach sand, being in 4 countries in 16 hours, sleeping everywhere from luxury buses and junkboats to local buses' plywood bench seats and cardboard boxes. As well as finding love and getting a place to call my own in Hong Kong among many many more things.
The spring season starts March 1, people are arriving now, although the nor' easter on the East coast is messing up some people's plans. The confusion and frustration have reawakened, oh March 31 where are you?
The Nepal pictures and journal are coming soon, I'm getting a lot more pictures from Elena soon.
I have some ideas about this blog and some changes I'd like to make, I'm hoping to finally finish my journal from last spring and reorganize it to the correct dates and maybe put in my trail journal from my Long Trail journey in 2008, I'd also like to integrate all my twitter messages into the posts somehow. This is all in hopes of creating a print version of this blog I think it would be pretty cool to have a hard copy of all my writings and pictures, we'll see how it goes. I think the Lapsap Stringband and yelling at kids might take up most of my time once things get going...
Here I am still travelling down this path with an unknown destination, however it's this very journey that keeps me going. "The journey is the destination" I used to tell my kids at ALE.
I knew that this experience would change things for me and going to a place that literally couldn't be further away from home definitely did just that.
Signing a 13 month contract was the longest contract I had ever committed to and at first it seemed daunting to me, then I settled in and found the flow of things, then the reality of 6 more months set in, along with (I'm not really sure how to say this...) let me just say that several factors more numerous than I want to list here allowed me to make the decision that...I'm DONE with this company or as they say in the states..."Done like dinner" or in New Zealand..."Done and Dusted"
or multiple choice...
"I'm as done as ______"
1) Conan O'Brien hosting The Tonight Show
2) Eliot Spitzer's political career
3) Healthcare Reform
4) Tiger Woods and golf
OK, maybe some of those things aren't a lock just yet, but I've decided long ago that I am looking for other things. I like Hong Kong and I'm not ready to live in the US yet; I can't wait to go back and visit though. Around 60 days and I'll be back in the good ol' US of A and I've also booked 3 shifts at ALE that will bring me into the summer. Katy's coming to visit me in New York and then I'll return for DrB HK Part 2 sometime in August, who knows what that will involve...
A quick summary of the past year would involve travelling to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, and Nepal. Also seeing Mount Everest from the airplane, then Dhaulagiri and Annapurna the 7th and 10th highest peaks in the world from the ground. Scuba diving, reaching 12,170 feet in altitude, walking on 110+ degree Malaysian beach sand, being in 4 countries in 16 hours, sleeping everywhere from luxury buses and junkboats to local buses' plywood bench seats and cardboard boxes. As well as finding love and getting a place to call my own in Hong Kong among many many more things.
The spring season starts March 1, people are arriving now, although the nor' easter on the East coast is messing up some people's plans. The confusion and frustration have reawakened, oh March 31 where are you?
The Nepal pictures and journal are coming soon, I'm getting a lot more pictures from Elena soon.
I have some ideas about this blog and some changes I'd like to make, I'm hoping to finally finish my journal from last spring and reorganize it to the correct dates and maybe put in my trail journal from my Long Trail journey in 2008, I'd also like to integrate all my twitter messages into the posts somehow. This is all in hopes of creating a print version of this blog I think it would be pretty cool to have a hard copy of all my writings and pictures, we'll see how it goes. I think the Lapsap Stringband and yelling at kids might take up most of my time once things get going...
Friday, November 13, 2009
One month left?!?!
That's right, many people are flying out of Hong Kong and back to the states around the week of December 14-17, moving on... another batch comes and goes and I stay... so it goes in the outdoor industry leading such a transient lifestyle, ahhhh but that's the draw of it too.
Anyway two weeks of hell just ended, haha, my tribe finished 5th out of 12 today, with a strong 2nd in the tribal chant that took place at West Island School on Hong Kong Island this morning. We would have taken 2nd overall if my kids handn't broken "Daanald" their egg to care for throughout the week. Daan is how you say egg in Cantonese, hehe, only my Chinese kids got that one...
We also have the weekend off AND next Wednesday and Thursday off, so nice! I'm in desperate need of this time off since I definitely need rest to fight off this cold that is hitting me. I feel ok energy wise, but just getting a cough and sinus aches.
After our debrief at the school I went in to Tom Lee Music in Wan Chai and picked up a spare set of guitar strings just in case I have any breakages, you can't just drive 20 minutes to Plattsburgh and take your choice of 15 different kinds at Bob's Music. It's a 5-25 minute wait for the bus, a 25 minute ferry ride, a 25 minute walk/subway/walk to the nearest music store with maybe 3 kinds of acoustic strings and these times are if you hit the transports exactly and don't have to wait.
After picking up strings I made my way back to Tung Chung via the MTR (subway) to meet Katy after she got out of work. After talking for a while she headed home and I went and grabbed some Indian food with my dinner allowance from T.I. and then caught the 7:05 bus back to Pui O and arrived here about 25 minutes later.
Now I don't think i'm going to move from this spot on the futon for a couple days....I might be able to actually do it, I have my laptop and music for entertainment, leftover food scraps scattered around me for sustenance, an old tea bag and some half filled leftover bottles of water for hydration, an air conditioner that I could turn on with my reachin' stick, and hey this futon is sketchy enough that I'm sure a few "accidents" would go unnoticed at least for a few days....
Anyway two weeks of hell just ended, haha, my tribe finished 5th out of 12 today, with a strong 2nd in the tribal chant that took place at West Island School on Hong Kong Island this morning. We would have taken 2nd overall if my kids handn't broken "Daanald" their egg to care for throughout the week. Daan is how you say egg in Cantonese, hehe, only my Chinese kids got that one...
We also have the weekend off AND next Wednesday and Thursday off, so nice! I'm in desperate need of this time off since I definitely need rest to fight off this cold that is hitting me. I feel ok energy wise, but just getting a cough and sinus aches.
After our debrief at the school I went in to Tom Lee Music in Wan Chai and picked up a spare set of guitar strings just in case I have any breakages, you can't just drive 20 minutes to Plattsburgh and take your choice of 15 different kinds at Bob's Music. It's a 5-25 minute wait for the bus, a 25 minute ferry ride, a 25 minute walk/subway/walk to the nearest music store with maybe 3 kinds of acoustic strings and these times are if you hit the transports exactly and don't have to wait.
After picking up strings I made my way back to Tung Chung via the MTR (subway) to meet Katy after she got out of work. After talking for a while she headed home and I went and grabbed some Indian food with my dinner allowance from T.I. and then caught the 7:05 bus back to Pui O and arrived here about 25 minutes later.
Now I don't think i'm going to move from this spot on the futon for a couple days....I might be able to actually do it, I have my laptop and music for entertainment, leftover food scraps scattered around me for sustenance, an old tea bag and some half filled leftover bottles of water for hydration, an air conditioner that I could turn on with my reachin' stick, and hey this futon is sketchy enough that I'm sure a few "accidents" would go unnoticed at least for a few days....
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Only 2 new posts in July...
I was going to twitter more but I'll just write a quick post since I really need to post more, only a week and a half left and I only have 2 posts this month.
Excuse the randomness...
Today really felt like being at home, woke up at 10 made coffee and pancakes, drank and ate while watching baseball...went in to work, ate lunch, set up beach olympics, pitched 3 tents, picked up surf camp stuff and came home before 4pm, did laundry and ate the appetizer sized dinner of pizza, i.e. loaf of bread with pizza crap on top of it. (Later they brought us a bunch of spaghetti because so many people complained...)
Ate some ice cream, now i'm watching Colbert Report and messing around with computer stuff...I could be sitting in New York right now. It feels good to be "going back to my roots" these are all things that I haven't done much of lately. It's tough when so many things go on to take care of these things.
I need a hair cut...
I bought some really good sun screen recommended by Karen
I'm trying to learn Down Yonder on the fiddle
The water coming from the sink is the color of yellow tea because of the typhoon that just went through.
One of the new staff is leaving to go back to New York next Monday, actually he's our flatmate, so we'll have an empty room for a little bit.
I have my first pair of flip-flops since I was like 5, I bought them on my birthday for 48 HKD aka $7 'merica bucks
McDonalds has a new summer promotion here with a Strawberry kit-kat mcflurry and a Italian coffee shake, they're both unbelievably spectacular.
I'm really really missing bluegrass festivals right now, they are such amazing places, I feel so free travelling to them every summer
I've actually found some decent icecream at the central ferry pier 6, 7 HKD for a soft cone, I think it's actual good instead of just Hong Kong good
I just found out there is a movie coming out with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, thanks to Katy for keeping me in the loop
So there's a collection of a bunch of "Twitters" that I could have posted...
Excuse the randomness...
Today really felt like being at home, woke up at 10 made coffee and pancakes, drank and ate while watching baseball...went in to work, ate lunch, set up beach olympics, pitched 3 tents, picked up surf camp stuff and came home before 4pm, did laundry and ate the appetizer sized dinner of pizza, i.e. loaf of bread with pizza crap on top of it. (Later they brought us a bunch of spaghetti because so many people complained...)
Ate some ice cream, now i'm watching Colbert Report and messing around with computer stuff...I could be sitting in New York right now. It feels good to be "going back to my roots" these are all things that I haven't done much of lately. It's tough when so many things go on to take care of these things.
I need a hair cut...
I bought some really good sun screen recommended by Karen
I'm trying to learn Down Yonder on the fiddle
The water coming from the sink is the color of yellow tea because of the typhoon that just went through.
One of the new staff is leaving to go back to New York next Monday, actually he's our flatmate, so we'll have an empty room for a little bit.
I have my first pair of flip-flops since I was like 5, I bought them on my birthday for 48 HKD aka $7 'merica bucks
McDonalds has a new summer promotion here with a Strawberry kit-kat mcflurry and a Italian coffee shake, they're both unbelievably spectacular.
I'm really really missing bluegrass festivals right now, they are such amazing places, I feel so free travelling to them every summer
I've actually found some decent icecream at the central ferry pier 6, 7 HKD for a soft cone, I think it's actual good instead of just Hong Kong good
I just found out there is a movie coming out with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, thanks to Katy for keeping me in the loop
So there's a collection of a bunch of "Twitters" that I could have posted...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I can't escape it!
I might be 8,000 miles away from home, but my yearly occurrences still follow me everywhere I go.
It first started with the hideous jelly fish rash in the Philippines, this instance substituted my streak of 23 consecutive years of getting poison ivy with a year of jelly fish rash to commemorate my 24th year. (How did I get poison ivy as a 1 year old? I don't know but I would not be surprised if it actually happened. Poison Ivy and I are like soul mates destined to be together...)
Next up, I walked into the flat last night to find an inch of water in the middle of the floor spreading out into all the bedrooms and most/all of the living room. After a good 2 hour mopping session and about 9 gallons of water later, I had to begin sorting out all the books and clothes that became soaked. This seems vaguely familiar....every spring.....there's something that I feel compelled to do......without fail, but I can't quite put my finger on it.... Oh Yea! it's picking up and moving everything I own off the floor of the basement of our house, to avoid it getting soaked from the incoming deluge of gallons and gallons for water spewing from the pipe hole coming into our basement. Then, staying up all night and emptying the water from the trash can collector before it fills up and overflows!
Now there are line after line of clothes crossing our flat hopefully drying from the Air Conditioning and not turning into mold encased disgusting mats like so many other things here.
I'm not sure what is coming up next...I've been racking my brain for another yearly occurrence that hasn't happened yet. Probably bee stings or bees nest....or maybe hurting one of my knees or something...I'll stay posted....
Alright I'm done my rant for the day
It first started with the hideous jelly fish rash in the Philippines, this instance substituted my streak of 23 consecutive years of getting poison ivy with a year of jelly fish rash to commemorate my 24th year. (How did I get poison ivy as a 1 year old? I don't know but I would not be surprised if it actually happened. Poison Ivy and I are like soul mates destined to be together...)
Next up, I walked into the flat last night to find an inch of water in the middle of the floor spreading out into all the bedrooms and most/all of the living room. After a good 2 hour mopping session and about 9 gallons of water later, I had to begin sorting out all the books and clothes that became soaked. This seems vaguely familiar....every spring.....there's something that I feel compelled to do......without fail, but I can't quite put my finger on it.... Oh Yea! it's picking up and moving everything I own off the floor of the basement of our house, to avoid it getting soaked from the incoming deluge of gallons and gallons for water spewing from the pipe hole coming into our basement. Then, staying up all night and emptying the water from the trash can collector before it fills up and overflows!
Now there are line after line of clothes crossing our flat hopefully drying from the Air Conditioning and not turning into mold encased disgusting mats like so many other things here.
I'm not sure what is coming up next...I've been racking my brain for another yearly occurrence that hasn't happened yet. Probably bee stings or bees nest....or maybe hurting one of my knees or something...I'll stay posted....
Alright I'm done my rant for the day
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
Didn't make it to Tai Long Won today, it was a late night in the city and it's been pouring all day. (Not that that should dissuade me, but <>)
The jamming last night was pretty fun, too bad the Lapsap Stringband will be on hiatus next week until the fall sometime.
Might go have some Dim Sum tomorrow in the city
View Larger Map
The jamming last night was pretty fun, too bad the Lapsap Stringband will be on hiatus next week until the fall sometime.
Might go have some Dim Sum tomorrow in the city
View Larger Map
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Call Me Trendy
I broke down and bought an iPod last week and as you can see at the top of the page is my Twitter feed, so I can give small updates a little more often. Since I don't always have the time/energy/motivation to sit down a write a full post I was thinking I could write some Tweets every once in a while to show what I'm up to. I still want to try to make a new post 2-3+ times per week, we'll see how this goes. Next up on the list buying some Abercrombie polo shirts and popping the collar.
I also wanted to ask anyone reading if they had any specific questions about anything in Hong Kong or something they would like to see more written about. Just write a comment and I'll see what I can do.
I'm excited for tomorrow, it's Nepalese new year hosted by Khem in the New Territories at Monkey Hill, I've been expanding my stomach in preparation. I'm thinking I'll go for 5 pounds of grilled meat tomorrow...
I also wanted to ask anyone reading if they had any specific questions about anything in Hong Kong or something they would like to see more written about. Just write a comment and I'll see what I can do.
I'm excited for tomorrow, it's Nepalese new year hosted by Khem in the New Territories at Monkey Hill, I've been expanding my stomach in preparation. I'm thinking I'll go for 5 pounds of grilled meat tomorrow...
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Feeling much better, almost back to normal
This will be a quick post because it's late.
I'm almost back to feeling normal, I sat out of a few of the training activities we had yesterday and today (a hike, bike riding, and kayaking). I slept about 16 hours yesterday i think. I know my body pretty well at this point and I'd have to say that this sickness was less of a viral/bacteria infection and more of my mind/body/spirit saying that I've been neglecting it lately and it had had just about enough. Being in this or any new place I tend to push myself a further and further while neglecting more and more self-care. So I pretty much got over that sickness by resting and reading, with a movie, pizza, and a bunch of juice and ice cream thrown in there. Pretty much everything I haven't had in these two weeks that I've been here.
I still feel unsettled and out of tune with this place. I take great comfort in walking down the road and knowing what every tree is called, what every bird is called, what every stream is called and where it flows to, where each road goes, and what this or that building does. There is so much to learn here.
I'm like a child trying to do everything, say everything and be everything all at once.
-John Hartford
I'm almost back to feeling normal, I sat out of a few of the training activities we had yesterday and today (a hike, bike riding, and kayaking). I slept about 16 hours yesterday i think. I know my body pretty well at this point and I'd have to say that this sickness was less of a viral/bacteria infection and more of my mind/body/spirit saying that I've been neglecting it lately and it had had just about enough. Being in this or any new place I tend to push myself a further and further while neglecting more and more self-care. So I pretty much got over that sickness by resting and reading, with a movie, pizza, and a bunch of juice and ice cream thrown in there. Pretty much everything I haven't had in these two weeks that I've been here.
I still feel unsettled and out of tune with this place. I take great comfort in walking down the road and knowing what every tree is called, what every bird is called, what every stream is called and where it flows to, where each road goes, and what this or that building does. There is so much to learn here.
I'm like a child trying to do everything, say everything and be everything all at once.
-John Hartford
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